Replies to Kuldeep Rai Sharma’s Question in the Parliament

Port Blair, Dec. 20: In response to concerns raised by Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, regarding the construction of a bridge connecting Chatham Island and Bambooflat Island, Union Minister Shri. Nitin Gadkari has provided an update on the status of the project.

In a reply to Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Shri. Nitin Gadkari acknowledged Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma's representation under Rule 377 during the Lok Sabha Debates, with the subject “proposed 4.3 km bridge, inclusive of approaches, aimed at connecting Chatham Island and Bambooflat Island in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands”.

According to Shri. Nitin Gadkari, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the bridge was submitted by consultant M/s VKS Infratech Management Pvt. Ltd in February 2023. Subsequently, a committee of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) examined the DPR and raised certain technical and pre-construction activity-related observations. These observations were discussed with officials of the Union Territory administration, leading to envisaged changes in the DPR, he added.

Shri. Gadkari mentioned that as of now, the DPR consultant is working on the revision, and the revised DPR is pending submission. Nitin Gadkari assured Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma that the necessary steps are being taken by NHIDCL to finalize the DPR at the earliest.